Principal Kay calls it a day at NDA

TYNGSBORO -- In March, the Academy of Notre Dame announced that Upper School Principal Helen Kay would be retiring at the end of the school year.

As principal, Kay has dedicated herself to finding and implementing the best curriculum and teaching practices to ensure student learning. Kay said every year challenged her and drove her to gain more confidence and become a better leader.

President Randall Adams wrote of Kay's academic acumen, genuine love of her vocation and the conflicting emotions her plans evoke.

"While I am truly very happy to witness the peace that her decision has brought her, I will miss the wisdom and steady leadership that she has contributed to my administrative team," Adams wrote.

Her inspiration came from working for something she so strongly believes in: women's education.

While her 32-year career in education has been entirely with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 20 of those years were spent at NDA. Kay's passion for teaching stems from a desire to learn and a love of being in a learning environment.

She started out in a fifth-grade classroom but spent most of her time as a junior-high History teacher.

Before becoming a high-school teacher at the academy, Kay took a year off, but her love of education drew her back to the classroom. After many years of teaching, she became assistant principal, a position she held for 12 years before being appointed principal in 2013.

Advertisement

Dean of Students Pam Bernazani said Kay is always focused on the greater good and constantly encouraged faculty and staff to work hard and become the best possible versions of themselves.

"She believes that no failure is ever fatal and instead turns those moments into opportunities for learning," said Bernazani. "She is known to help others keep everything in perspective and be true to oneself."

Kay believes that "if you are yourself, everything else will be OK."

This year, Kay was honored to be the commencement speaker. She offered four pieces of advice for growing as an individual and taking the next steps toward becoming a beneficial member of society: Recognize your beauty; live thankfully; adapt and be positive; and hold God's hand.

Keely Ford, a 2018 graduate, said students will miss her dedication to the school, as well as her strong work ethic that inspires the community, warm soul and approachable demeanor.

"Her dedication to the values and traditions of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur will perhaps be the biggest loss, for it is her commitment to instilling the mission of the Sisters that will be remembered forever," said Ford.

Kay said she will miss the faculty and students, the energy of the school and discussing important matters.

"As I retire, I know that the academy will remain a special place for our young women to develop academically, emotionally and spiritually," she said. "The mission and values were here long before I arrived and will remain long after I leave. As I embark on the final months of my tenure here, please know that I realize how much of a blessing it has been to be part of such a noble place."

Kay said her plans for the future include staying up late, sleeping in, enjoying the beautiful spring and fall weather, traveling, spending time with her grandkids and, possibly, using her teaching skills to help immigrants.

For the 2018-19 academic year, Bernazani will serve as interim principal for the Upper School.

Welcome to your discussion forum: Sign in with a Disqus account or your social networking account for your comment to be posted immediately, provided it meets the guidelines. (READ HOW.)
Comments made here are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; these comments do not reflect the opinion of The Sun. So keep it civil.